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Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) honors WHO for its contributions to the success of the 13th world congress of public health

His Excellency Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Health (MOH) and Patron of the 13th World Public Health Congress and Dr. Tewabech Bishaw, President of EPHA, recognized institutions and individuals for their contribution to the success of the 13th World Congress of Public Health in an official ceremony organized by the EPHA, at the Sheraton Addis Hotel, on 11th August 2012. The WHO Regional Office and WHO Country Office (WCO) / Ethiopia were among the recipients of crystal awards for their significant contributions. The ceremony was attended by representatives of International and National Institutions, Ethiopian Public Health Associations Members (EPHA) and Congress secretariat staff, Organizing committee members, and several individuals who provided technical and financial support. Dr. Khaled Bessaoud, Acting WHO Country Representative to Ethiopia received the award for the WHO Regional and the Country Office. Former Country Representative, Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré and other WHO Staff namely: Mr. Abraham Gebregiorgis, Mr. Wassihun Melaku (WHO country office); and Dr. Davison Munodawafa and Dr. Lucien Manga (WHO/AFRO), received certificates of recognition.

It is to be remembered that more than 3,000 delegates from approximately 120 countries assembled at the 13th World Congress on Public Health in Addis Ababa, from April 23-27, 2012 under the theme, “Towards Global Health Equity: Opportunities and Threats.” The WHO was represented by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis G. Sambo.

Speaking at the awarding ceremony, Dr. Tewabech Bishaw, President of EPHA commended all individuals and institutions who relentlessly demonstrated their commitment to make the successful accomplishment of the 13th World Congress of Public Health.

She emphasized the strong leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ethiopia, that a very well-coordinated and collective efforts of all partners, individuals, professionals, the media and the harmonious collaborative work between EPHA and World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA) could result in a very successful event that added value to previous World Congresses and resonated Ethiopia’s hospitality.

His Excellency, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of the MOH, expressed his satisfaction to have worked with as such a strong and vibrant team that led to the success of 13th WCPH and applauded the achievement which demonstrated that Ethiopia is on the move to multi sectoral development. He pointed out that the 13th World Congress remains a success story of the collective efforts, and reiterated the Ethiopia Government commitment to the Addis Ababa Declaration, which shall serve as a new impetus to the acceleration of national efforts towards the achievement of the MDGs. He further said that the Declaration will also help us to play a leading role in strengthening the capacity of the African Federation of Public Health Association, which its Secretariat is based in Addis Ababa.

During the ceremony, Dr. Khaled Bessaoud congratulated the Minister of Health and the President of EPHA for their commitment and excellent organization which made the Congress one of the most successful World Public Health Congresses. He highlighted the strong existing partnership between WHO and the Africa Public Health Association and expressed WHO’s commitment in supporting the implementation of the Addis Declaration.